Historic Fort Wayne image

Historic Fort Wayne

Tourist attraction Museum Historical landmark

19th-century military fort on the Detroit River with tours, re-enactments & community events. People often mention history, great, buildings, Fort, time, Wayne, Detroit, tour, area, cool,


Address

6325 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48209

Website

www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com

Contact

(313) 628-0796

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (756 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: history (17) great (10) buildings (9) Fort (9) time (9) Wayne (9) Detroit (7) tour (7) area (6) cool (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mykell M. 1 year ago on Google • 221 reviews
    So much history, walking around was surreal. Nothing gory or gross. A lot of the buildings are in disrepair and you cannot go in them, but seeing and knowing the area it is amazing to see. The actual Fort was creepy but cool. Seeing where they stationed, walking through the halls they walked. Still in very good shape. The barracks are still in very good shape although at the time we were unable to enter. It's a great place to visit!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kimberly Hudson (Kimm H. 9 months ago on Google • 710 reviews
    Nice space for our class reunion picnic. My son use to go here for camp yeeeeeeeears ago! Very spacious! I didn't like that security didn't even let you stand on the curb while on the phone, though you weren't even moving😐
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susie C. 7 months ago on Google • 120 reviews
    If you are in the area, I recommend checking this out! We went in bad weather, would have been really cool to see everything. We got to go through one building and the area that is under ground, so cool, the brickwork is phenomenal!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Just H. 10 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    Fort Wayne is open to the public only on the weekends 10:00 to 4:00 but it's so beautiful and it's peaceful. inside those buildings is definitely an experience I urge everyone to go and check it out it's very historical and it's off the water as well so you can go have a picnic if you like just no grilling just bring your food but you'll have a great time. You can see the new bridge being built from Canada and our side too but it's a good experience PS there is no driving you have to go and park in the parking lot and walk the grounds or by bike
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ron R. 8 months ago on Google • 537 reviews
    Walking around Fort Wayne with kids is a great half day journey. Express the fort amd the water front.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G B. 5 years ago on Google
    I had never been to historic Fort Wayne before. It is a very important historical location for our state. I am so glad they are preserving it! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable! He actually "wrote the book" about Fort Wayne. We will definitely come back! This is a volunteer staff, donations based historical site with a lot of potential and a lot of current Beauty!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David M. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing piece of history. I was so caught in the moment I didn’t get more pictures. Amazing to see a location that has been a vital part of so many wars without firing a shot. If your in town, don’t miss this spot. It won’t take much time to add this history your places you have been. From the revolutionary war to Vietnam, it is a don’t miss location.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Richard C. 1 year ago on Google
    Never knew this place was so big and interesting. Still needs lots of preservation.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mike S. 1 year ago on Google • 791 reviews
    Typical of Detroit…. Run down and not cared for but it’s cool. Old. Historic place. Go down by the water. Far right corner. Cute hidden picnic area.

  • 5/5 Julie F. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful historic buildings. I never knew they were there and I've lived here my entire life. But Tuskegee Airmen museum is there as well. Went there for frankenfest which was also fun
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel T. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a beautiful and amazing piece of history minutes away from downtown Detroit! With the addition of the Gordie Howe bridge, I hope the next few years bring focus and funds to this overgrown gem. We had a blast exploring and taking in the sights and history, even though none of the buildings were open, and we didn't go on the guided tour. I would recommend exploring one day, and taking the guided tour another. Entry to walk and explore is free. Take it in, explore the grounds, and admire the craftsmanship.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenn 1 year ago on Google
    I highly recommend checking out one of the tours! The volunteers are great, and there is so much history here! There is definitely restoration needed, but it is still a great time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 castercamber 9 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    Must see for military history buffs. Observe a fascinating evolution from mid-19th century brick and limestone fortifications into a tidy early 20th Century Army post and onto WWII and Vietnam. Guns and tanks, barracks and officer's quarters...all await inspection. Some buildings look ready for duty, others are "returning to the earth" so to speak. I spent a leisurely Sunday afternoon walking the grounds. As an Army veteran I can tell you it felt like an Army post, my mind's eye could see soldiers in formation standing over there, marching in column down the street over there. (Quick note: sections of surrounding neighborhoods resemble war zones, keep your explorations on fort grounds.) Got good exercise and learned some great Army history all in a few hours. Worth the visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Randolph S. 3 years ago on Google
    Sure wish I visited this place sooner. Awesome bunker and garrison complex. As well as a historical location for many pivotal times through history. Take a step into the past. Open some weekends from 10-4pm.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Will J. 7 months ago on Google
    Fort Wayne, nestled within the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan, boasts a rich history and picturesque location by the Detroit River. 🏰🌆 The fort stands proudly at the foot of Livernois Avenue in the charming Delray neighborhood, offering a glimpse into the past. The original limestone barracks from 1848, complemented by later brick additions, still grace the landscape. Additionally, the renovated 1845 fort with its brick exterior tells tales of bygone eras. 🏞️🛡️ The grounds of Fort Wayne hold treasures both within and beyond its original walls. Barracks, officers' quarters, a theater, a recreation building, and more form a tapestry of historical significance. Even though a large warehouse and the post fire station were lost to time, the fort's spirit perseveres. 🏢 The fort's sprawling 96-acre territory, a combination of city-managed and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-operated areas, stands as a testament to its legacy. The dedication to its preservation led to its designation as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1958 and its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. 📜 Amidst the passage of time, Fort Wayne has faced the effects of neglect, witnessing the gradual decay of some of its 39 buildings. Grass peeking from rooftops paints a poignant picture. However, the heartbeat of preservation is kept alive by the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition, a group of devoted volunteers who roll up their sleeves to paint, repair, and breathe life back into this historic gem. 👷‍♂️🧹💚
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sherri S. 2 years ago on Google
    Attended FrankenFest event and it was outstanding!! Only recommendation for next year would be more food options.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benjamin J. 2 years ago on Google
    Best hidden gem in Detroit. Sometimes there are reenactments and other special events here
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 vince g. 7 months ago on Google • 71 reviews
    I had an absolutely wonderful time here definitely will go next year

  • 4/5 James D. 6 months ago on Google • 22 reviews
    Not much there to see, just an old army base that needs a lot of work. In time you'll see a lot of history and it'll be worth to visit but for now it's not worth the stop. The people there are very polite and kind will answer any questions. That's why they're getting four stars.

  • 5/5 Jeni Jo E. 1 year ago on Google
    I was on a Haunted Night tour and it was just a really interesting piece of Detroit history that I didn't know.

  • 5/5 Magda G. 1 year ago on Google
    The old fort is still something to see especially if you are a war/history buff. There's a lot of street construction ,DTE is laying new lines and the riverfront is going through major reconstruction. The whole area will be very nice and a place for everyone to enjoy.

  • 3/5 Jl S. 1 year ago on Google
    I want so badly to give this place an awesome rating. I want so badly for you to come see it. It's so full of history. If this fort was in any other city in the USA. It would be well taken care of. Best advice I can give you is to come see it before it's gone. It won't be long before this gem is gone. It has gotten to the point where it will not be salvageable.. shame because anywhere else it would have been saved.

  • 4/5 Brock B. 3 years ago on Google
    Visited during a party or festival that involved firetrucks. Not sure what it was exactly, but there were lots of people and activities. Lots of evidence of geese as well. The buildings were largely in disrepair. People were friendly. The were some reenactors in one of the buildings. One of them was portraying a CSA soldier and he had it down pretty pat. He gave a few of us a review of some period rifles. Not uninteresting. The river is right there, so there's that.

  • 5/5 B S. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a historic place with a beautiful view of the river. I went for a soccer game in the fields by the river. It was soo nice. The historic buildings look sooo interesting. I would love to come back to see more.

  • 3/5 Jordan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Lots of falling apart old homes which you can kind of see all over Detroit. The walk along the river is nice but you can do that downtown.

  • 4/5 Yvonne H. 8 months ago on Google
    This is truly a historic gem part of the history of detroit and michigan lets not forget the native populations buried here. Lots of activity around some streets very congested. Once here you can enjoy the view. Great little trip close to home.

  • 5/5 Sybil. E. 8 months ago on Google
    Very clean place, love the water view, great customer service I

  • 5/5 Girls_Game_As_Well 2 years ago on Google
    So cool to see a piece of history and hear about how it came to be. My only wish is that the weather had heald out just a bit longer.

  • 5/5 tragic v. 2 years ago on Google
    First time going and I wanna go again great learning experience as well the tour guide did a great job as well as the two soldier reenactors that was with him definitely recommend it plus very reasonable price

  • 5/5 Katie M. 8 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    I love the history and Chari Vari was awesome this year! Thank you all for making it such a great experience!

  • 3/5 ieasha r. 2 years ago on Google
    Franken fest omg so fun. my only complaint is that there was no seating and I was so tired and it was so hot I was dead set on an area for people who wanted to eat and sit and rest like plastic benches or something everyone was just sitting on the ground

  • 4/5 Anna Calhoun (. 7 months ago on Google
    It's a wonderful place to visit and tour. I just wish handicap accessibility was better planned for the event, Frankenfest, that we attended there. I understand Ft. Wayne is going to be limited due to the age and nature of the facility. However, handicap parking was not considered for this event, nor the direction of the food trucks (they were facing the grass hill instead of the street).

  • 5/5 Pamela B. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a cool place! Didn't do the tour but I'm going to go back and do the tour!


Call (313) 628-0796 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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